Golf course and method of playing

ABSTRACT

A golf course and stadium includes a common green area having one or more cups for receiving a golf ball played within the golf course and at least three fairways extending away from the common green area. The at least three fairways are separated each other and each include at least one tee box. Spectator stadium viewing includes a first spectator structure with tiered seating disposed about two lateral portions and a tee box of one of the at least three fairways and includes a second spectator structure with tiered seating disposed between lateral portions of the other two of at least three fairways. The common green area may be centrally located among the spectator seating structures, the tee boxes and the fairways.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/640,919, filed Mar. 9, 2018, the content of which is incorporated byreference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a golf course and stadium forspectator viewing. In particular, the present invention is directed to agolf course having multiple fairways with a centrally located green ormultiple greens in centrally located area which is visible from thestadium for enhanced spectator viewing and enjoyment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Golf courses typically have multiple holes, with each hole having ateeing area, a fairway, a rough, one or more hazards, and a green with ahole or cup. Spectators wanting to view live golf at different holestypically must travel from one hole to another hole.

A stadium course, such as the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass in Florida,has areas between and around holes specifically for the movement ofspectators. The stadium course may also specific areas, such as grassyberms, for viewing of a portion of a particular hole by spectators.

A golf course, such as the Waste Management Golf Course in Arizona usedfor the Phoenix Open, may include stadium or club areas surrounding orpartially surrounding one of many holes of the golf course. While aspectator may have an enhanced view of one particular hole or a portionof the one particular hole, not all holes are so visible from theparticular stadium or club areas.

Moreover, professional sports stadiums, such as baseball and footballstadiums, have been modified for temporary use for golf. Parts of theturf or playing field located with the stadium have been converted intogreens with different holes or cups, and different parts of the stadiumseating area have been converted into tee areas. The golfers tee offfrom the stadium seating areas, often upper or elevated seating decks,and drive a golf ball towards one of the greens. Spectators aregenerally not in the seating areas of the stadium during such play.

While ease of spectator viewing has been addressed for a particular holeof a golf course, the configuration and design of the inventive golfcourses described herein allow for observation of team play and of eachhole in their entirety or substantially in their entirety from aspectator viewing structure.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed towards a golf course and method forplaying golf that enhances enjoyment and excitement both for the golfersplaying on the golf course and for the spectators viewing the players.The design of the golf course offers quick play, either by individualplayers or players of a team, within view of spectator stadium areas.For team play, such as two teams each having five players, a nine-holecourse may be completed within just a few hours, e.g., two to threehours.

A golf course and stadium according to the present invention mayinclude: a common green area located within the golf course, the commongreen area having one or more cups for receiving a golf ball; at leastthree fairways extending away from the common green area, the at leastthree fairways each having a proximal portion disposed towards thecommon green area, an opposed distal portion, and lateral portionsopposed from one and the other; the lateral portions of the at leastthree fairways being separated from each other, for example by spectatorportions; at least one tee box located within each of the distalportions of the at least three fairways; a first spectator structurewith tiered seating disposed about the two lateral portions and the teebox of one of the at least three fairways; and a second spectatorstructure with tiered seating disposed between the lateral portions ofthe other two of at least three fairways.

The common green is desirably visible from the first spectator structureand the second spectator structure. Moreover, if there are multiplegreens in an area generally central to the three tee boxes and/or thethree fairways, then these multiple greens are also desirably visiblefrom the first spectator structure and the second spectator structure.Furthermore, more than one hole, in total or in part, may be visiblefrom the first spectator structure and the second spectator structure.For example, major portions of all three fairways are desirably visiblefrom the first spectator structure and the second spectator structure,but all three tee boxes may or may not be totally visible from both thefirst spectator structure and the second spectator structure.

Desirably, the first spectator structure is separate from the secondspectator structure to allow, for example, a portion of a fairway orfairways to be located between the separate structures. The firstspectator structure may include an open shape having a plurality ofsections where an endpoint of one section of the plurality of sectionsis not connected to an endpoint of a second section of the plurality ofsections. In other words, the first spectator does not fully enclose atee box, its associated fairway and the common green area. The openshape of the first spectator structure may include any suitable shape,for example, the plurality of sections may be selected from straightsections, curved sections, and combinations thereof, including, but notlimited to, a U-shape, a V-shape, an open polygon shape, an opencircular shape, an open elliptical shape, and combinations thereof.

The second spectator structure may also include an open shape such as acurved section, an arched section, a straight section, and combinationsthereof.

The first spectator structure and the second spectator structure aretypically spatially separated from one and the other. The tee box of oneof the other two of at least three fairways may be disposed within aportion of the golf course located between the second spectatorstructure and the common green area. The tee box of one of the other twoof at least three fairways may be disposed within a portion of the golfcourse located distally beyond an axis section defined between thesecond spectator structure and the common green area and distally awayfrom the second spectator structure and the common green area. The teebox of another of the other two of at least three fairways may bedisposed within a portion of the golf course located distally beyond anaxis section defined between the second spectator structure and thecommon green area and distally away from the second spectator structureand the common green area.

The common green may include contours towards or away from the one ormore holes or cups. The common green may further include a hazard, suchas a bunker hazard or a water hazard. Furthermore, any or all of the atleast three fairways may further include a hazard, such as a bunkerhazard or a water hazard.

Any or all of the at least three fairways may further include a rough orroughs. Each of the at least three fairways has an associated par, wherethe pars may be the same or different.

A method of playing golf may include: accessing the golf course andstadium according to the present invention; driving a golf ball from theat least one tee box of one of the at least three fairways towards thecommon green; and driving or putting the golf ball towards the one ormore holes or cups in the common green.

A golf league may include a first team of players and a second team ofplayers accessing the golf course and stadium according to the presentinvention. The first team of players, or a select number of players fromthe first team, may each drive an individual first golf ball from the atleast one tee box of one of the at least three fairways towards thecommon green. The first team of players may then drive or putt theindividual first golf balls or a select one of more of the individualfirst golf balls towards the one or more holes or cups in the commongreen. The second team of players, or a select number of players fromthe second team, may also each drive an individual second golf ball fromthe at least one tee box of one of the at least three fairways towardsthe common green. The second team of players may also drive or putt theindividual second golf balls or a select one of more of the individualsecond golf balls towards the one or more holes or cups in the commongreen. The first team of players, or the select number of players fromthe first team, may drive or putt their individual golf balls towardsthe one or more holes or cups in the common green(s) before or after thesecond team of players, or the select number of players from the secondteam, drive their golf balls from the at least one, desirably the same,tee box. The scores for the first team of players and for second team ofplayers may be calculated as the first team of players and the secondteam of players play the golf course. The scores may be on an individualplayer basis and on a team basis. For example, the scores of eachindividual player are cumulative as the golf course is being played, andeach player's cumulative score is also cumulative to their respectiveteam score. These scores may also be displayed to spectators viewing thegolf team competition. The spectators may be enjoying the golf teamcompetition from spectator stadiums having enhanced views of thecompetition.

A golf league may also include a first team of players and a second teamof players accessing the golf course and stadium of the presentinvention, where the one or more cups in the common green(s) area mayinclude a first cup, a second cup and a third cup. The first and secondteams of players, or a select number of players from the first andsecond teams, may each drive an individual first golf ball from thefirst tee box of the first fairway towards the common green. The firstand second teams of players, or a select number of players from thefirst and second teams, may then each strike or putt the individualfirst golf ball towards the first cup in the common green. The firstteam of players, or the select number of players from the first team,may drive or putt their individual golf balls towards the first cup inthe common green(s) before or after the second team of players, or theselect number of players from the second team, drive their golf ballsfrom the first tee box. Points for the first team of players and forsecond team of players are calculated as the first team of players andthe second team of players play the golf course. The first and secondteams of players may each have a number of golfers on the team, anddesirably five golfers. Not all of the golfers may be actively playingthe course at any particular time. For example, the teams may includeone or more substitute players who may be inserted into the game at thedirection of, for example, a team coach, a team leader and/or teamcaptain. The substitute player typically replaces one of the teamplayers. Desirably, the teams include five players, with one of the fiveplayers being a substitute player. Rules for substituting a players orplayers may vary. For example, a team may utilize the strategy ofinserting a substitute player only once during play over the course orholes, or a team may be allowed more than one substitution. Furthermore,substitution may occur at any point on the course, for example, a teebox, a fairway of a common green(s). The points for each player of thefirst and second teams may be calculated as plus-three for a doubleeagle, plus-2 for an eagle, plus-one for a birdie, zero for par,minus-one of a bogey, minus-2 for a double bogey. The points may becumulative per player and per team. The team which accumulates thehighest score, i.e., the highest number of points, wins the period,match and/or tournament. The first and second teams of players may allplay nine holes on the golf course. The nine holes of team play may beplayed within just a few hours, for example about two and a half hours.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a golf complex may include threeholes proximal to each other on one or more greens having puttingsurfaces. The putting surfaces may be at least partially surrounded bystadium seats. The stadium seats may have gaps to allow a golfer to haveplayer access from one or more fairways to the one or more greens. Theone or more greens may be centrally located within the three holes, forexample, the holes may be configured in a spoked-array with the green(s)central to the spoked fairways.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description of illustrativeembodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with theaccompanying drawings. Corresponding reference element numbers orcharacters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views ofthe drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a golf course and spectatorstadium according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4-6 depict different open shapes for a first spectator structureof the spectator stadium.

FIGS. 7-9 depict different open shapes for a second spectator structureof the spectator stadium.

FIG. 10A is a schematic illustration of tiered seating for the spectatorstadium.

FIG. 10B is a schematic illustration the first and second spectatorstructures having interconnecting passageways.

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of a golf course having a doglegfairway.

FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration of a golf course having additionaltee boxes, fairways and holes.

FIG. 13A is a schematic illustration of a golf course having additionaland separated common green areas.

FIG. 13B is a schematic illustration of a golf course having additionaland interconnected common green areas.

FIG. 14 depicts a method for playing golf.

FIG. 15A depicts team play of golf on a golf course according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 16B depicts a scoring point system for team golf according to thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The golf course and stadium 10 or golf complex 10 of the presentinvention is schematically depicted in FIG. 1. The golf course andstadium 10 includes a golf course 12 and spectator or stadium portions14. The spectator or stadium portions 14 are disposed within and/oraround portions of the golf course 12. As described below, the spectatorportions 14 may include at least first and second spectator structures36, 40 from which spectators may view substantial portions of the golfcourse 12, including most, if not all, of the tee boxes, fairways andgreens or a common green.

The golf course 12 may include a common green area 20 having one or morecups 22. A plurality of fairways 24 lead towards the common green area20. Each fairway 24 may include a proximal portion 26 disposed near,either directly or indirectly, the common green area 20. Each fairway 24may also include an opposed, either directly or indirectly, distalportion 28. An indirectly opposed distal portion may be in the form of,but not limited to, a fairway having a dogleg. Each distal portion 28may further include a tee box 34 from which a player strikes a golf balltowards the common green 20. The tee box 34 may include different areas(not shown) where distance to the cup 22 may vary and/or where an angleof approach to the common green area 20 may vary. The fairways 24 mayfurther include side or lateral portions 30 disposed between theproximal and distal portions 26, 28. As used herein, the term proximaland its variants generally refer to a direction or orientation towardthe common green area 20 or a cup 22 within the common green area 20. Asused herein, the term distal and its variants generally refer to adirection or orientation away the common green area 20 or a cup 22within the common green area 20. The lateral portions 30 may containroughs 82. Roughs 82 generally include grass (not shown) that is cuthigher than the fairways 24 to denote approaching out-of-bounds portions(not shown) of the golf course 12. The fairways 24 and/or the commongreen area 20 may further include a hazard 80 or multiple hazards 80.The hazards 80 may include a bunker hazard, such as a sand trap or thelike, or a water hazard, such as pond, stream or the like.

As depicted in FIG. 1, the golf course 12 may include three holes. Asused herein the term hole and its variants refer to atee-box-fairway-cup combination. In other words, a hole is comprised ofa tee box, a fairway and a green having a cup. As depicted in FIG. 1,the golf course 12 may include three holes, generally noted by 1, 2, and3. The common green 20 may include three cups 22-1, 22-2 and 22-3, whichmay be played from three fairways 24-1, 24-2 and 24-3 and from three teeboxes 34-1, 34-2 and 34-3. Thus, as depicted in FIG. 1, hole 84-1, whichis generally noted by reference number 1, may include a first tee box34-1, a first fairway 24-1 and cup 22-1; hole 84-2, which is generallynoted by reference number 2, may include a first tee box 34-2, a firstfairway 24-2 and cup 22-2; and hole 84-3, which is generally noted byreference number 3, may include a first tee box 34-3, a first fairway24-3 and cup 22-3. Moreover, a cup may be used for one hole or moreholes. The number of cups 22 and the orientation of the cups 22 may varydepending upon, for example, the desired complexity or difficulty of aparticular round of golf. Thus, each tee box 34, fairway 24 and cup 22combination may have a par, which may be the same or different.

Par is defined as a number of standard strokes for a particular hole,generally assigned by the total length of the hole and the degree ofdifficulty for the hole. To be playing in regulation, a par generallyallows for two putts. Thus, for example, to get onto the green on a par4 hole, two standard strokes are allowed to get from the tee box ontothe green and two putts to hole-out. This rule applies to all holes.Thus, for a par 3 hole one standard stroke is allowed to get from thetee box onto the green and two putts to hole-out; and for a par 5 holethree standard strokes are allowed to get from the tee box onto thegreen and two putts to hole-out.

The pars for the different tee box 34, fairway 24 and cup 22combinations or holes 84 may be the same or different. For example, hole84-1 may be, but not limited to, a par 5 hole; hole 84-2 may be, but notlimited to, a par 4 hole; and hole 84-3 may be, but not limited to, apar 3 hole.

As schematically depicted in FIG. 1, the golf course and stadium 10further includes spectator portions 14. The spectator portions 14 mayinclude first and second spectator structures 36, 40. The firstspectator structure 36 may include an open shape 50 having a pluralityof sections 52, such as line or straight, including substantiallystraight sections 53, where an endpoint 54 of one section of theplurality of sections 52 is distally spaced apart from or not connectedto, at least from a seating perspective, an endpoint 56 of a secondsection of the plurality sections 52. In other words, the firstspectator structure 36 is an open structure 50 because spectator viewingand/or seating areas at one endpoint 54 are not joined at the secondendpoint 56 so that unobstructed views from the first spectatorstructure 36 of the golf course 12 are substantially maintained andbecause the first spectator structure 36 does not fully encompass anyparticular hole 84.

As schematically depicted in FIG. 1, the first spectator structure 36substantially encompasses the first tee box 34-3 and the first fairway24-3, but may not encompass or substantially encompass the common greenarea 20. Moreover, the first spectator structure 36 is not limited tothe schematically depicted structure of FIG. 1. For example, asschematically depicted in FIG. 2, the first spectator structure 36 maybe or include a V-shape 62. Alternatively, or in addition to, the firstspectator structure 36 may include a U-shape 60 as schematicallydepicted in FIG. 3; and/or an open circular shape 64 as schematicallydepicted in FIG. 4; and/or an open elliptical shape 66 as schematicallydepicted in FIG. 5. Moreover, as schematically depicted in FIG. 6, thefirst spectator structure 36 may be a complex open polygon-like shape 68having any number of sections 52, which may be substantially straight orslightly curved, and/or any number of curved sections 58, which may bethe same or different from the curved sections 58 as schematicallydepicted, but not limited to those, in FIGS. 4 and 5.

The second spectator structure 40 may be spatially separate or spacedapart from the first spectator structure 36. While the first spectatorstructure 36 may be disposed about the two lateral portions 30 and thetee box 34-3 of one of the third fairway 24-3, the second spectatorstructure 40 may be disposed between two of the at least three fairways24 that are not partially of fully encompassed by the first spectatorstructure 36, such as being disposed between the first fairway 24-1 andthe second fairway 24-2. The tee box 34 of one of the other two of atleast three fairways 24, such as tee box 34-2, may be disposed within aportion of the golf course 12 located between the second spectatorstructure 40 and the common green area 20. In other words, a radialdistance from a portion, such as a central portion, of the green 20 tothe tee box 34-2 may be less than a radial distance from the secondspectator structure 40 and the same portion of the green 20.

The tee box 34 of one of the other two of at least three fairways 24,such as tee box 34-1, may also be disposed within a portion of the golfcourse 12 which is located distally beyond the second spectatorstructure 40. In other words, a radial distance from a portion, such asa central portion, of the green 20 to the tee box 34-1 may be greaterthan a radial distance from the second spectator structure 40 and thesame portion of the green 20.

The present invention, however, is not so limited. For example, any ofthe tee boxes 34-1, 34-1 may be radially distanced from the common greenarea 20 to a greater extent, a lesser extent or even a similar extent tothat of the radial distance from the second spectator structure 40, or aportion of the second spectator structure 40 from the common green area20.

The shape of the second spectator structure 40 may be the same ordifferent from the shape of the first spectator structure 36. Forexample, the shape of the second spectator structure 40 may not includeportions that substantially traverse lateral portions 30 of a fairway 24or fairways 24, thereby not substantially obstructing spectator views ofportions of the golf course 12, in particular substantial portions ofthe fairways 24 and the common green area 20. The second spectatorstructure 40 may also be described as an open-shaped structure 70 as itdoes not fully or substantially encompass portions of play on the golfcourse 12.

The second spectator structure 40 is not limited to the schematicallydepicted structure of FIG. 1. For example, the open shape 70 of thesecond spectator structure 40 may include an arched shape 74 asschematically depicted in FIG. 7, a curved and/or semi-circular shape 72as schematically depicted in FIG. 8, a line or straight section orsections 76 as schematically depicted in FIG. 9, and/or combinationsthereof.

The first spectator structure 36 and the second spectator structure 40of the spectator portions 14 of the golf course and stadium 10 mayinclude tiered seating 38 as schematically depicted in FIG. 10A. Thetiered seating 38 is depicted as being an inclined arrangement of seats39. Lower seats on the inclined arrangement may be disposed proximallytoward the golf course 12 as compared as compared to higher seats on theinclined arrangement. The base 41 of the tiered seating 38 may besubstantially closed, partially open or substantially open (not shown).The tiered seating 38 may be permanent, substantially permanent ortemporary, i.e., moveable or capable of being rearranging, if desired.Desirably, but not necessarily, the tiered seating 38, the firstspectator structure 36 and/or the second spectator structure 40 may bepermanent or substantially permanent in either a fixed, substantiallyfixed or movable configuration.

FIG. 10B schematically depicts connecting passageways, corridors orwalkways between first spectator structure 36 and the second spectatorstructure 40. The passageways, corridors or walkways may be aboveground, below ground, or even at ground level. For example, above groundpassageway 44 may be above ground level or grade 42 so as not tosubstantially interfere with play if a portion of the passageway 44 isover a fairway 24. A ground level passageway 45 between the firstspectator structure 36 and the second spectator structure 40 may havetemporary access across a fairway 24 when play is not that fairway 24.The ground level passageway 45 may also be looped as to avoid a fairway24. A below ground or below grade passageway 46 may be disposed withinthe soil or underground 41 below grade 42. Any or all of the passagewaysmay have amenities, such as food or drinks, etc. The passageways 44, 45,46 should not substantially interfere with the play of golf; however,the passageways 44, 45, 46 may be presented as a hazard against the playof golf. For example, a penalty stroke against a player may be invokedfor striking the passageways 44, 45, 46.

While the fairways 24 in FIG. 1 are generally depicted as beingsubstantially straight, the golf course and stadium 10 is not solimited. A fairway 24 or a hole 84 may be curved to provide a dogleg 86as schematically depicted in FIG. 11. Further, any of the greens 20 (orthe below described greens 98A-98E) may include a contour 23 or contours23 towards or away from the cup 22.

Moreover, while the golf course 12 in FIG. 1 is schematically depictedas having three holes 84-1, 84-2, 84-3, the present invention is not solimited. The golf course 12 may include additional holes 94, eachincluding tee box 90, fairway 96 and cup 92 and/or combinations thereof,as schematically depicted in FIG. 12.

Furthermore, while the golf course 12 in FIG. 1 is schematicallydepicted as having one common green area 20, the present invention isnot so limited. As schematically depicted in FIG. 13A, the common greenarea 20 may include more than green, such as greens 98A, 98B. The greens98A, 98B may be spatially separated as schematically depicted in FIG.13A. The present invention, however, is not limited to a plurality ofspatially separated greens 98A, 98B. For example, as depicted in FIG.13B, the common green area 20 may include a plurality, such as two ormore, greens 98C, 98D, 98E that have connecting areas 98F thereinbetween. The connecting areas 98F may be suitable for putting, e.g.,smooth and short grass typical of a green, may present a handicap toputting, e.g., higher grass than normal green grass. Each of the greens98A to 98E may have one or more cups 20 (not shown)

FIG. 14 depicts a method 110 for playing golf on the golf course 12. Atstep 112, after accessing or entering the golf course 12, a playerselects a tee box 34 and strikes or hits a golf ball with a golf clubtowards one of the at least three or more fairways 24 or towards thecommon green 20 or greens 98A-98E. At step 114, a player further strikesor hits the golf ball onto the common green 20 or onto at least one ofthe greens 98A-98E. At step 116, a player further hits or putts the golfball into a cup 22, 92. Any of the steps 112-116 may be combined, forexample a hole-in-one would combine steps 114-116. At step 118, is theplayer finished playing golf? If no, then the player returns to step112, typically selecting a different tee box 34 and or hole 84. If yes,then the player has finished playing the course at step 120. The steps112-118 may be performed for any number of players or teams of playersand for any number of holes, courses or pars for the golf course 12.

Typically, a group or groups of players may play on the golf course 12.The group or groups of players may or may not represent team play.Furthermore, not every player has to hit their own ball. For example, agroup of players may decide to play the best ball or just a select ballon any particular part of a hole 84. Having each player play their ownball, however, is one desirable method of individual, group, and/or teamplay. Often the total numbers of strokes for each player or groups ofplayers are cumulative for a total score.

While such cumulative scoring is useful for personal or group play, thepresent invention is also directed towards team play. FIG. 15A depicts ateam sport 122 or a method 122 of playing team golf on the golf course12. A first team, such as Team A, of five players, such as Player-1,Player- . . . , to Player-n, and a second team, such as Team B, of fiveplayers such as Player-1, Player- . . . , to Player-n, accesses the golfcourse 12. While the team sport 122 is described as comprising two teamsand five players, the team sport 122 may include any suitable number ofteams and any suitable number of layers on each team. For example, amajor league golf league may include more than two teams, such as butnot limited to three to ten or more teams. Furthermore, the number ofplayers on each team may vary from 2 to 10 or more players, from 3 to 9players, from 4 to 8 players, and the like. Typically, two teams willplay on the golf course 12 at one time. The present invention, however,is not so limited and more than two teams may play on the golf course atone time or substantially at one time. Desirably, the team sport 122will last for any a few or several hours, such as two to three hours, onany particular day or evening.

The teams of players may include a substitute player or more than onesubstitute player on each team. For example, a team of five players mayinclude one substitute player. In such a case the non-substitute oractive players, which in this example includes four non-substituteplayers, play the course. The substitute player may enter play at thedirection of a team coach, team captain or team leader. The substituteplayer replaces one of the active players. The substitute player mayenter team play at any time during the course, e.g. at any hole, teebox, fairway, or common green(s). Desirably, each substitute player mayenter the team game only once, thereby making the active player beingreplaced for the remaining holes. The present invention, however, is notso limited, and the number of active team players and the number ofsubstitute team players may vary. Further, the rules for substitutionmay vary. For example, there may be only one substitution allowed perteam per course or there may be more than one substitution allowed perteam per course or even per hole. The substitute player(s) may beallowed to rotate into and out of play as desired.

The players of a first team, or a select number of players from thefirst team, each strike an individual first golf ball from at least onetee box 34 of one of the fairways 24 towards the common green 20 havingthe cups 22. Assuming no hole-in-one, the first team of players theneach strike or putt their individual first golf balls towards aparticular cup 22 in the common green 20 and eventually into theparticular cup 22. The second team of players, or a select number ofplayers from the second team, each strike an individual second golf ballfrom the at least one tee box 34 of one of the fairways 24 towards thecommon green 20 having the cups 22. Assuming no hole-in-one, the secondteam of players then each strike or putt their individual second golfball towards a particular cup 22 in the common green 20 and eventuallyinto the particular cup 22. The first team of players, or the selectnumber of players from the first team, may drive or putt theirindividual golf balls towards the first cup in the common green(s)before or after the second team of players, or the select number ofplayers from the second team, drive their golf balls from the first teebox. Desirably, two players for the first team play their golf balls,followed by two players for the second team playing the golf balls. Thispattern may be repeated until all active players on each team haveplayed the hole(s). Points for the first team of players, bothindividually an on a team basis, and for second team of players, bothindividually and on a team basis, are calculated as the first team ofplayers and the second team of players play the golf course 12 asschematically depicted in FIG. 15. As depicted in FIG. 15A, team playmay include play over nine holes. Using the golf course 12 of FIG. 1,each of the two teams would play each of the three holes 84 three timesfor an overall 9-hole course.

As depicted in FIG. 15B, points are awarded for a players' performance.The points may be relative to the number of shots over or under par fora particular hole or course of holes. For example, points may be awardedas follows: double eagle: +3 points; eagle: +2 points; birdie: +1 point;par: 0 points; bogey: −1 point; double bogey: −2 points; triple bogey:−3 points, and the like. Such point values are non-limiting, and otherpoint systems may be used. Points may be cumulative per player and/orper team. Groups of holes may be played within periods with optionalbreaks between periods, which may or may not include entertainment forthe spectators. For example, period 1 may include holes 84-1, 84-2, 84-3being played by the two teams, followed by period 2 and period 3.Periods 2 and 3 may include the same holes 84-1, 84-2, 84-3 or mayinclude different holes such different combinations of cups 22 with theparticular tee box 34/fairway 24 arrangements.

The cumulative points and/or scores of individual players and/orindividual teams may be viewed by the spectators in the stadium 14 atscoreboard 48. While one scoreboard 48 is depicted in FIG. 1, the golfcourse and stadium 10 may include more than one scoreboard 48. Further,the scoreboard 48 is not limited to just displaying cumulative pointsand/or scores of individual players and/or individual teams, but otherinformation including, entertainment, live or previously recordedvideos, team standings, player and/or team statistics, leagueinformation, etc.

The steps described above in conjunction with FIGS. 14 and 15A-15B mayfurther include additional steps or plays on a golf ball. For example, aplayer may have to play a ball from a hazard 80 or a rough 82 or even bepenalized for playing a ball into a water hazard, etc.

While various embodiments of the present inventive technology arespecifically illustrated and/or described herein, it will be appreciatedthat modifications and variations of the present inventive technologymay be effected by those skilled in the art without departing from thespirit and intended scope of the inventive technology. Further, any ofthe embodiments or aspects of the invention as described in the claimsor in the specification may be used with one and another withoutlimitation.

The following embodiments or aspects of the invention or inventivetechnology may be combined in any fashion and combination and be withinthe scope of the present invention, as follows:

Embodiment 1

A golf course and stadium (10) comprising:

a golf course (12) comprising:

a common green area (20) located within the golf course (12), the commongreen area (20) having one or more cups (22) for receiving a golf ball;

a first fairway (24-1), a second fairway (24-1) and a third fairway(24-3) each extending away from the common green area (20), the first,the second and the third fairways (24-1, 24-2, 24-3) each having aproximal portion (26) disposed towards the common green area (20), anopposed distal portion (28), and lateral portions (30) opposed from oneand the other;

the lateral portions (30) of the first, second and third fairways (24-1,24-2, 24-3) being separated from each other;

a first tee box (34-1) located within the distal portion (28) of thefirst fairway (24-1), a second tee box (34-2) located within the distalportion (28) of the second fairway (24-2), and a third tee box (34-3)located within the distal portion (28) of the third fairway (24-3); and

a stadium (14) comprising:

a first spectator structure (36) with tiered seating (38) disposed aboutor proximal to the two lateral portions (30) of the first fairway (24-1)and about or proximal to the first tee box (34-1) of the first fairway(24-1); and

a second spectator structure (40) with tiered seating (38) disposedbetween or proximal to one of the lateral portions (30) of the secondfairway (24-2) and one of the lateral portions (30) of the third fairway(34-3).

Embodiment 2

The golf course and stadium (10) of embodiment 1, wherein the commongreen (20) is visible from the first spectator structure (36) and thesecond spectator structure (40).

Embodiment 3

The golf course and stadium (10) of any preceding embodiment, preferablyembodiment 1, wherein the common green (20) is a centrally located arearelative to the first tee box (34-1) of the first fairway (24-1), thesecond tee box (34-2) of the second fairway (24-2), and the third teebox (34-3) of the third fairway (24-3).

Embodiment 4

The golf course and stadium (10) of any preceding embodiment, preferablyembodiment 1, wherein the tiered seating (38) of first spectatorstructure (36) is separate from the tiered seating (38) of the secondspectator structure (40).

Embodiment 5

The golf course and stadium (10) of any preceding embodiment, preferablyembodiment 1, wherein the first spectator structure (36) comprises anopen shape (50) having a plurality of sections (52) where an endpoint(54) of one section of the plurality of sections (52) is not connectedto an endpoint (56) of a second section of the plurality of sections(52).

Embodiment 6

The golf course and stadium (10) of any preceding embodiment, preferablyembodiment 5, wherein the plurality of sections (52) of the firstspectator structure (36) is selected from the group consisting ofstraight sections (53), curved sections (58), and combinations thereof.

Embodiment 7

The golf course and stadium (10) of any preceding embodiment, preferablyembodiment 1, wherein the first spectator structure (36) comprises ageometric shape (50) selected from the group consisting of a U-shape(60), a V-shape (62), an open polygon shape (68), an open circular shape(64), an open elliptical shape (66), and combinations thereof.

Embodiment 8

The golf course and stadium of (10) any preceding embodiment, preferablyembodiment 1, wherein the first spectator structure (36) and/or thesecond spectator structure (40) comprise an open sided polygon (68).

Embodiment 9

The golf course and stadium (10) of any preceding embodiment, preferablyembodiment 1, wherein a shape (70) of the second spectator structure(40) comprises a curved section (72), an arched section (74), a straightsection (76), and combinations thereof.

Embodiment 10

The golf course and stadium (10) of any preceding embodiment, preferablyembodiment 1, wherein the first spectator structure (36) and the secondspectator structure (40) are spatially separated from one and the other.

Embodiment 11

The golf course and stadium (10) of any preceding embodiment, preferablyembodiment 1, wherein the first spectator structure (36) separates thefirst fairway (24-1) from the second fairway (24-2) and from the thirdfairway (24-3).

Embodiment 12

The golf course and stadium (10) of any preceding embodiment, preferablyembodiment 1, wherein the second spectator structure (40) separates thesecond fairway (24-2) from the third fairway (24-3).

Embodiment 13

The golf course and stadium (10) of any preceding embodiment, preferablyembodiment 1, wherein the third tee box (34-3) of the third fairway(24-3) is disposed within a portion of the golf course (12) locatedbetween the second spectator structure (40) and the common green area(20).

Embodiment 14

The golf course and stadium (10) of any preceding embodiment, preferablyembodiment 1, wherein the second tee box (34-2) of the second fairway(24-2) is disposed within a portion of the golf course (12) locateddistally beyond the second spectator structure (40).

Embodiment 15

The golf course and stadium (10) of any preceding embodiment, preferablyembodiment 1, wherein the tiered seating (38) of the first spectatorstructure (36) and tiered seating (38) of the second spectator structure(40) are spatially separated from one and the other.

Embodiment 16

The golf course and stadium (10) of any preceding embodiment, preferablyembodiment 15, further comprising a walkway (44, 45, 46) connecting thefirst spectator structure (36) and the spectator structure (40).

Embodiment 17

The golf course and stadium (10) of embodiment 16, wherein the walkway(44, 45, 46) does not obstruct play on the golf course (12).

Embodiment 18

The golf course and stadium (10) of embodiments 16-17, preferablyembodiment 17, wherein the walkway (44, 45, 46) in a below-groundwalkway (46).

Embodiment 19

The golf course and stadium of embodiments 16-17, preferably embodiment17, wherein the walkway (44, 45, 46) in an above-ground walkway (44).

Embodiment 20

The golf course and stadium (10) of any preceding embodiment, preferablyembodiment 1,

wherein the one or more cups (22) in the common green area (20) comprisea first cup (22-1), a second cup (22-2) and a third cup (22-3);

wherein the first tee box (34-1), the first fairway (24-1) and the firstcup (22-1) comprises a first hole (84-1) having a first par;

wherein the second tee box (34-2), the second fairway (24-2) and thesecond cup (22-2) comprises a second hole (84-2) having a third par;

wherein the third tee box (34-3), the third fairway (24-3) and the thirdcup (22-3) comprises a third hole (84-3) having a third par; and

wherein the first par, the second par and the third par may be the sameor different.

Embodiment 21

The golf course and stadium (10) of embodiment 20,

wherein the first par is a par five or a par four;

wherein the second par, which may be the same or different from thefirst par, is a par four or a par five; and

wherein the third par is a par three.

Embodiment 22

A method of playing golf, comprising:

accessing the golf course and stadium (10) of any preceding embodiment,preferably embodiment 1;

hitting a golf ball from the at least one tee box (34, 34-1, 34-2, 34-3)of one of the at least three fairways (24, 24-1, 24-2, 24-3) towards thecommon green (20); and

hitting or putting the golf ball towards the one or more cups (22, 22-1,22-2, 22-3) in the common green (20).

Embodiment 23

A method of playing golf, comprising:

a first team of players and a second team of players accessing the golfcourse and stadium (10) of any preceding embodiments 1-21, preferablyembodiment 1;

wherein the first team of players each strike an individual first golfball from the first, the second or the third tee box (34, 34-1, 34-2,34-3) of first, or second or third fairways (24, 24-1, 24-2, 24-3)towards the common green (20);

wherein the first team of players strike or putt the individual firstgolf balls or a select one of more of the individual first golf ballstowards the one or more cups (22, 22-1, 22-2, 22-3) in the common green;

wherein the second team of players each strike an individual second golfball from the first, the second or the third tee box (34, 34-1, 34-2,34-3) of first, or second or third fairways (24, 24-1, 24-2, 24-3)towards the common green (20);

wherein the second team of players strike or putt the individual secondgolf balls or a select one of more of the individual second golf ballstowards the one or more cups (22, 22-1, 22-2, 22-3) in the common green(20); and

wherein scores for the first team of players and for second team ofplayers are calculated as the first team of players and the second teamof players play the golf course (12).

Embodiment 24

A golf league comprising:

a first team of players and a second team of players accessing the golfcourse and stadium (10) of any preceding embodiments 1-21, preferablyembodiment 1;

wherein the one or more cups (22-1, 22-2, 22-3) in the common green area(20) comprises a first cup (22-1), a second cup (22-2) and a third cup(22-3);

wherein the first team of players each drive an individual first golfball from the first tee box (34-1) of the first fairway (24-1) towardsthe common green (20);

wherein the first team of players each strike or putt the individualfirst golf ball towards the first cup (22-1) in the common green (20);

wherein the second team of players, either before or after the firstteam of players each strike or putt the individual first golf balltowards the first cup in the common green, each strike an individualsecond golf ball from the first tee box (34-1) of the first fairway(24-1) towards the common green (20);

wherein the second team of players each strike or putt the individualsecond golf ball towards the first cup (22-1) in the common green (20);and

wherein points for the first team of players and for second team ofplayers are calculated as the first team of players and the second teamof players play the golf course (12).

Embodiment 25

The golf league of embodiment 24, wherein the first team of players hasfour active golfers and one substitute player, and the second team ofplayers has four active golfers and one substitute player.

Embodiment 26

The golf league of any preceding embodiments 24-25, preferablyembodiment 24, wherein the points for each player of the first andsecond teams are calculated as plus-three for a double eagle, plus-2 foran eagle, plus-one for a birdie, zero for par, minus-one of a bogey,minus-2 for a double bogey; and wherein the points are cumulative perplayer and per team.

Embodiment 27

The golf league of any preceding embodiments 24-26, preferablyembodiment 24, wherein the first team of players and the second team ofplayers all play nine holes on the golf course (12); and wherein thenine holes are played within a few hours.

Embodiment 28

A golf complex comprising:

three holes (84-1, 84-2, 84-3) proximal to each other on one or moregreens (20, 98A-98E) having putting surfaces, the putting surfaces beingat least partially surrounded by stadium seats (38), the stadium seats(38) having gaps to allow a golfer to have player access from one ormore fairways (24-1, 24-2, 24-3) to the one or more greens (20).

Embodiment 29

The golf complex of embodiment 28, wherein the one or more greens (20,98A-98E) are centrally located within the three holes (84-1, 84-2,84-3).

Embodiment 30

The golf course and stadium of any of the preceding embodiments 1-21,preferably embodiment 1, further comprising a scoreboard (48) visiblefrom the first spectator structure (36), the second spectator structure(40) or from both the first and second spectator structures (36, 40).

1. A golf course and stadium comprising: a golf course comprising: acommon green area located within the golf course, the common green areahaving one or more cups for receiving a golf ball; a first fairway, asecond fairway and a third fairway each extending away from the commongreen area, the first, the second and the third fairways each having aproximal portion disposed towards the common green area, an opposeddistal portion, and lateral portions opposed from one and an other; thelateral portions of the first, second and third fairways being separatedfrom each other; a first tee box located within the distal portion ofthe first fairway, a second tee box located within the distal portion ofthe second fairway, and a third tee box located within the distalportion of the third fairway; and a stadium comprising: a firstspectator structure with tiered seating disposed about or proximal tothe two lateral portions of the first fairway and about or proximal tothe first tee box of the first fairway; and a second spectator structurewith tiered seating disposed between or proximal to one of the lateralportions of the second fairway and one of the lateral portions of thethird fairway; wherein the first spectator structure and the secondspectator structure are spatially separated from one and the other; andwherein the first spectator structure separates the first fairway fromthe second fairway and from the third fairway.
 2. The golf course andstadium of claim 1, wherein the common green is visible from the firstspectator structure and the second spectator structure.
 3. The golfcourse and stadium of claim 1, wherein the common green is a centrallylocated area relative to the first tee box of the first fairway, thesecond tee box of the second fairway, and the third tee box of the thirdfairway.
 4. The golf course and stadium of claim 1, wherein the tieredseating of first spectator structure is separate from the tiered seatingof the second spectator structure.
 5. The golf course and stadium ofclaim 1, wherein the first spectator structure comprises an open shapehaving a plurality of sections where an endpoint of one section of theplurality of sections is not connected to an endpoint of a secondsection of the plurality of sections.
 6. The golf course and stadium ofclaim 5, wherein the plurality of sections of the first spectatorstructure is selected from a group consisting of straight sections,curved sections, and combinations thereof.
 7. The golf course andstadium of claim 1, wherein the first spectator structure comprises ageometric shape selected from a group consisting of a U-shape, aV-shape, an open polygon shape, an open circular shape, an openelliptical shape, and combinations thereof.
 8. The golf course andstadium of claim 1, wherein the first spectator structure and/or thesecond spectator structure comprise an open sided polygon.
 9. The golfcourse and stadium of claim 1, wherein a shape of the second spectatorstructure comprises a curved section, an arched section, a line section,and combinations thereof. 10.-11. (canceled)
 12. The golf course andstadium of claim 1, wherein the second spectator structure separates thesecond fairway from the third fairway.
 13. The golf course and stadiumof claim 1, wherein the third tee box of the third fairway is disposedwithin a portion of the golf course located between the second spectatorstructure and the common green area.
 14. The golf course and stadium ofclaim 1, wherein the second tee box of the second fairway is disposedwithin a portion of the golf course located distally beyond the secondspectator structure.
 15. The golf course and stadium of claim 1, whereinthe tiered seating of the first spectator structure is spatiallyseparated from the tiered seating of the second spectator structure. 16.The golf course and stadium of claim 15, further comprising a walkwayconnecting the first spectator structure and the second spectatorstructure.
 17. The golf course and stadium of claim 16, wherein thewalkway does not obstruct play on the golf course.
 18. The golf courseand stadium of claim 17, wherein the walkway is a below-ground walkway.19. The golf course and stadium of claim 17, wherein the walkway is anabove-ground walkway.
 20. The golf course and stadium of claim 1,wherein the one or more cups in the common green area comprise a firstcup, a second cup and a third cup; wherein the first tee box, the firstfairway and the first cup comprises a first hole having a first par;wherein the second tee box, the second fairway and the second cupcomprises a second hole having a second par; wherein the third tee box,the third fairway and the third cup comprises a third hole having athird par; and wherein the first par, the second par and the third parmay be the same or different.
 21. The golf course and stadium of claim20, wherein the first par is a par five or a par four; wherein thesecond par, which may be the same or different from the first par, is apar four or a par five; and wherein the third par is a par three.
 22. Amethod of playing golf on the golf course and stadium of claim 1,comprising: accessing the golf course and stadium of claim 1; hitting agolf ball from the at least one tee box of one of the at least threefairways towards the common green; and hitting or putting the golf balltowards the one or more cups in the common green.
 23. A method ofplaying golf on the golf course and stadium of claim 1, comprising: afirst team of players and a second team of players accessing the golfcourse and stadium of claim 1; wherein the first team of players eachstrike an individual first golf ball from the first, the second or thethird tee box of first, or second or third fairways towards the commongreen; wherein the first team of players strike or putt the individualfirst golf balls or a select one of more of the individual first golfballs towards the one or more cups in the common green; wherein thesecond team of players each strike an individual second golf ball fromthe first, the second or the third tee box of first, or second or thirdfairways towards the common green; wherein the second team of playersstrike or putt the individual second golf balls or a select one of moreof the individual second golf balls towards the one or more cups in thecommon green; and wherein scores for the first team of players and forsecond team of players are calculated as the first team of players andthe second team of players play the golf course.
 24. A golf leagueutilizing the golf course and stadium of claim 1 comprising: a firstteam of players and a second team of players accessing the golf courseand stadium of claim 1; wherein the one or more cups in the common greenarea comprises a first cup, a second cup and a third cup; wherein thefirst team of players each drive an individual first golf ball from thefirst tee box of the first fairway towards the common green; wherein thefirst team of players each strike or putt the individual first golf balltowards the first cup in the common green; wherein the second team ofplayers, either before or after the first team of players each strike orputt the individual first golf ball towards the first cup in the commongreen, each strike an individual second golf ball from the first tee boxof the first fairway towards the common green; wherein the second teamof players each strike or putt the individual second golf ball towardsthe first cup in the common green; and wherein points for the first teamof players and for second team of players are calculated as the firstteam of players and the second team of players play the golf course. 25.The golf league of claim 24, wherein the first team of players has fouractive golfers and one substitute player, and the second team of playershas four active golfers and one substitute player.
 26. The golf leagueof claim 24, wherein the points for each player of the first and secondteams are calculated as plus-three for a double eagle, plus-2 for aneagle, plus-one for a birdie, zero for par, minus-one of a bogey,minus-2 for a double bogey; and wherein the points are cumulative perplayer and per team.
 27. The golf league of claim 24, wherein the firstteam of players and the second team of players all play nine holes onthe golf course; and wherein the nine holes are played within a fewhours.
 28. A golf complex comprising: three holes proximal to each otheron one green having a putting surface or on a plurality of greens havingputting surfaces, the putting surface or the putting surfaces being atleast partially surrounded by stadium seats, the stadium seats havinggaps to allow a golfer to have player access from one or more fairwaysto the one green or to the plurality of greens.
 29. The golf complex ofclaim 28, wherein the one green is centrally disposed within the golfcomplex or the plurality of greens are centrally disposed within thegolf complex.
 30. The golf course and stadium of claim 1, furthercomprising a scoreboard visible from the first spectator structure, thesecond spectator structure or from both the first and second spectatorstructures.